Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Awards $5,000 Grant

The Wayne County Community Youth Foundation (WCCYF) provides educational and practical experiences on how community foundations operate, with the goal of getting high school students engaged in local “structured” philanthropy. Each year, student participants in the program also award grants from the Wayne County Community Youth Foundation Fund to local nonprofit organizations that support youth programs.

Student advisors evaluated six grant proposals for the 2022 grant cycle. Based on their recommendations to the Wayne County Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees, $5,000 was awarded to the Viola Startzman Clinic for their oral health education for children.

Earlier this year, this WCCYF class also collected $600 through their Souper Bowl of Caring initiative to eliminate food insecurities. They then donated the funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Wooster and the Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club for food.

The Youth Foundation meets once a month at an area nonprofit organization during the school year to get a better understanding of why the organization exists and how it serves the community. Participants also gain valuable leadership experience, learn more about local charitable giving and how investments grow charitable funds; evaluate and recommend grant awards, and meet local philanthropic leaders.

For the 2021-2022 school year, 32 students representing 10 local high schools participated in the WCCYF. A program graduation was held on May 1, 2022 at The Connection Conference & Event Center.

Competitive grant applications to the Wayne County Community Youth Foundation from nonprofit, tax-exempt, charitable organizations serving the youth of Wayne County should be submitted by February 1 each year. The grant guidelines and online application are available on the WCCF website, www.waynecountycommunityfoundation.org.